Tennessee state parks are some of the prettiest in the nation, with our mountains to the east and expansive fields and wetlands to the west. Still, it seems all the attention is focused on a stark few: Fall Creek Falls. Cummins Falls. We get it. We see you both – you’re amazing. But these seven lesser-known state parks around Nashville make for a beautiful Saturday afternoon out on the town – er, country –  and we can’t wait to explore them all.

1. Henry Horton State Park
Henry Horton State Park, 4209 Nashville Hwy, Chapel Hill, TN 37034, USA
Kelly Stewart - Flickr
This is one of the greatest overlooked spots in the state for camping in a tent or RV. The park was constructed in the 1960s, and is located on the property of former Tennessee governor, Henry Horton. You can still see the remains of an old bridge and mill along the Wilhoite Mill Trail, a little bit of history. You can learn more on the official Tennessee State Parks website.
2. Montgomery Bell State Park
Montgomery Bell State Park, 1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029, USA
Mark Spangler - Flickr
You can wander the lakeside and go golfing, visit a log cabin replica and a chapel, all within the confines of the expansive Montgomery Bell State Park, Known as one of the best places to camp amongst locals, we'd recommend you pitch a tent and stay awhile.
3. Stones River National Battlefield
Stones River National Battlefield, 3501 Old Nashville Hwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA
Jeff - Flickr
Stones River National Battlefield is located in Rutherford County, Tennessee, and honors the Battle of Stones River. It was a Civil War battle resulting in a Union victory, fought in late 1862 and ending in early 1863. You can visit the graveyard and wander the almost 600-acre park, following the path of history.

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4. Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Cedars of Lebanon State Park, 328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Known for its strange yet beautiful natural ecosystems, Cedars of Lebanon State Park covers almost 900 acres, with the Cedars of Lebanon State Forest stuck hard right in the middle of it. This is the perfect place to visit if you're looking to go for a forested walk any time of the year.
5. Bledsoe Creek State Park
Bledsoe Creek State Park, 400 Zieglers Fort Rd, Gallatin, TN 37066, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
With 169 acres to roam, it's always a shock that Bledsoe Creek State Park stays so serene. Never too busy, you can traverse historic land that once served as prime hunting ground for Tennessee's Native American people. It's quite an amazing hike!
6. Harpeth River State Park
Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake, 7851 McCrory Ln, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Harpeth River State Park straddles both Davidson and Cheatham counties, making it easy to get to from both the city and the suburbs. It boasts some of the most gorgeous natural vistas in the Nashville area, and has all sorts of water-infused hiking trails that are well worth a visit.
7. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243, USA
Chad Horwedel - Flickr
Known colloquially as, "Bicentennial Park," this is one of Nashville's unsung gems. Located right in the heart of downtown, you can enjoy a free splash pad for the kids in the summertime and the Nashville Farmers Market year-round.

This state park is a little more well-known, but it’s still fabulous. What are your favorite state parks in Tennessee? Tell us about them in the comments!

 

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More to Explore

State Parks in Nashville

Tori Jane | February 22, 2022

Where can I find the best hiking around Nashville?  

Nashville is a wonderful state for hiking year-round, and it has plenty of lovely trails on which to do so. The “best” ones are definitely subjective, though some do tend to be quite a bit more popular than others. Among our favorite hiking trails around Nashville is the incredible hike to Cummins Falls, which you can find near Cookeville. It’s the 8th-largest waterfall in the state and very much worth the adventure! Other hikes nearby Nashville are, unsurprisingly, also waterfall-centric (and why wouldn’t they be? Waterfalls are amazing.); some of our favorites include the mind-blowing hike to Ozone Falls, which is a 110-foot waterfall that’ll blow your mind with its beauty, and Stillhouse Falls, which is more gentle but still ridiculously awe-inspiring to behold. Hoping to stay dry? Check out the amazing hikes in places like Harpeth River State Park and Welch’s Point.  

What are some fun things to do outside in Nashville?  

Nashville is a great place to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. It’s nearby tons of parks – both state and local/city - and home to tons of awesome hikes and miles of trails. There is plenty to do and see; you’ll be doing yourself a disservice if you should decide to visit for just a weekend. For example, you’ll want to check out the amazing vineyards (we do have those) like Arrington Vineyards, which you’ll find near south Nashville; wine country in Tennessee is totally a thing, and we love it. Visit the Creekwood Botanical Garden for a date night/afternoon option, or visit parks like Centennial Park, which is downtown. Nashville is home to an urban state park, too – the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, which is a must-do for history buffs. Need some more ideas? Check out this ultimate bucket list for Tennessee nature lovers.  

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